Sars saps strength of HK economy

Friday 30 May 2003 11:31 BST

THE economic impact of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) virus on Hong Kong's economy was revealed today as figures showed gross domestic product shrank by 0.3% in the first quarter. The Sars outbreak triggered an abrupt slump in consumer spending, more than offsetting a surge in exports. Hong Kong faces its third recession in six years.